2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

There are not a lot of kinds of pickles that I like.  And, on the 151st day of 2019, I did not eat any pickles.  But, the Oaklyn Snack Stand was open on 5/31/19, and business was booming.  And we were selling pickles provided to us by Elsie's and people were enjoying them and a community business was helping another community organization and, frankly, that is a representation of what I like about my town.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for pickles.  I can be thankful for things I do not eat myself, right?

After an AM Student Affairs Conference on the 150th day of 2019 I found myself at Citizen's Bank Park.  5/30/19 was the date of the Annual Nursing Pal Trip to a Business Person's Special Phillies Game!  We had a great time and I am so glad that these outings can continue.  So my gratitude flows today for baseball outings, and the friends and former colleagues who were there as well (and of course for Dr. Kramer for the ticket opportunities.

It was another day of rushing home from work at the end of the day on the 149th day of 2019.  Because, on 5/29/19, Collingswood Schools presented their Choral Concert.  And it was fantastic (check out the FB Live videos on my page for some of the performances).  I got goosebumps a few times, it was a wonderful concert.  And I sat in my seats, thinking how lucky we are in Colls/Oaklyn/Woodlynne to have such a dedicated group of music teachers that have created a wonderful choral program, from the Elementary years, all the way to HS.  Tonight, my gratitude flows freely for these Choir Teachers (and choir teachers everywhere!)

My left ankle has always been a little weaker than the right.  I remember, even growing up, it would give out every once and a while.  FINALLY, on the 148th day of 2019, I got something to try to address this.  On 5/28/19, a lace-up ankle brace was delivered and I have been wearing it since I got home after work.  I already feel it working, to stabilize the ankle, and I hope this continues into tomorrow.  Tonight, am a grateful for my new ankle brace, and I hope I remain grateful for it in days to come.

I am not going to lie, when we went to the Memorial Day Service, presented by Oaklyn's American Legion Post in front of the Oaklyn Memorial Library, I got very emotional.  And, on the morning of the 146th day of 2019, when they played Taps, I started to tear up and choke up.  During 5/26/19, I truly did think of and say thanks for those who left their country and their families to serve their country and were not able to return.  I am pretty much a pacifist, but that does not mean I do not support and appreciate those who choose to serve to protect the freedoms we are afforded in this country.  That is why, tonight, as I head off to bed having enjoyed my extra long weekend (I was off Friday too!), my gratitude is for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.  And my prayers are for their friends, families, and all that knew and loved them.

After Church on the 146th day of 2019, we headed to an event with college friends. And, on 5/26/19, we had a really great night, with really good friends, most of who have a Penn connection to us.  So, my gratitude tonight is for College Pals.  Fun was had by all!

The 145th day of 2019 was a very relaxing one.  And 5/25/19 ended with a BBQ at the home of one of our very good friends.  Good Food, Good Conversation, Friends, and more relaxation.  My gratitude is for Holiday BBQs and tonight's was just really nice.